                               Command : ATTACK

 SYNTAX:
   [mc ##] Command : attack <SECT> <troopcount1> <troopcount2> ...

The attack command is used to seize sectors owned by other countries by  using
troops  from  neighboring  sectors.  You specify the sector to be attacked and
the number of troops from each friendly neighboring sector (starting with  the
sector up-right and proceeding clockwise).

Attack may be used to take over unoccupied sectors, although explore does that
more efficiently.  Also, attack will not let you attack your own sectors.

If you do not specify the troop counts on the command line, attack will prompt
you  for  each  of your sectors containing troops eligible to attack.  It will
not inform you of the number of military in the target sector; for  that,  you
must gather information by other means -- typically spy or recon.

Troops from different sectors fight with different skill based on the particu-
lar  sector  type they are defending and the military efficiency of the troops
in the sector.  Defending is easier than attacking; even troops  with  a  zero
military  efficiency  rating  will  put  up  some resistance to an attack.  Be

                               Command : ATTACK

especially aware of fortresses, whose troops will  fight  especially  hard  as
will  troops  defending  a capital.  These defense advantages based on sector-
types depend on sector efficiency; lower efficiency implies  that  the  sector
will convey relatively fewer benefits for the defender.

In addition to defensive sector benefits, a defender can also make use of guns
to  defeat a potential attacker.  Gun-wielding defending troops will generally
mow down attackers unless  the  attackers  have  overwhelming  odds.   If  you
suspect  there are enemy guns in the target sector, it is generally prudent to
soften up the defender with some bombing or land gun shell missions.

Before combat occurs, the odds will be printed describing the  casualties  you
will  suffer.   Of  course, things being what they are, your actual casualties
may differ.  In addition to casualties in combat, your participating  military
will be degraded in efficiency and you will be charged some number of BTUs for
casualties.

                               Command : ATTACK

If you successfully take the sector over, then the civilians  will  be  turned
into  conquered  populace (see info people for details), unless you are recon-
quering a sector that was previously yours.

See also : people(i), assault, fire, explore, paradrop.

